The Boston-based hardcore troupe of Reach the Sky combines a formula of fas… Read Full Bio ↴The Boston-based hardcore troupe of Reach the Sky combines a formula of fast-paced punk, hardcore breakdowns, and personal, sentimental lyrics. Consisting of Brendan Maguire (bass), Bob Mahoney (drums), and Ian Larrabee (vocals), the quartet released their debut EP Everybody's Home in 1999 through Victory Records. With comparisons to the likes of early Dag Nasty and Farside, their follow-up full-length So Far From Home followed later on that same year. The fierce driving sound of their third effort, Friends, Lies, and the End of the World, appeared in early 2001. Bob went on to become a member of Bane, and Ian later founded Stand Accused. Brendan became a touring manager, working with Sick of it All, Dropkick Murphys and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, he currently plays in Bane.

World Stands Still
Reach the Sky Lyrics

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You can walk away whenever you want,
But don't expect me to be here
When you decide that you are coming back.
But I'd rather stop talking to anyone but you.
Until then my world is standing still.
You think I am at a loss but I am not afraid to be alone anymore.
The time moves on like pieces of my past,
Never to look back again.

I know what we shared and what it all meant,
But I am never looking back.
Although I keep trying to come up with the words to say to you,
I'm not trying to win you back.
There's only so much one person can take,
But if you think I can't take this, you are so wrong.

But I am not afraid.
I won't give in.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Reach the Sky's song World Stands Still have a deep meaning revolving around a relationship and the person's willingness to hold on to it. The opening line, "You can walk away whenever you want, but don't expect me to be here when you decide that you are coming back," depicts someone who is willing to let go and move on from a toxic relationship. However, the next line, "But I'd rather stop talking to anyone but you," reveals the contradiction in their thoughts as they still feel connected to their former lover.

The chorus, "Until then my world is standing still," represents the confusion and limbo that one may feel after a breakup. The person still holds on to their love for their partner while trying to move forward. They acknowledge that time moves on, and some things are meant to be left in the past, but they also know the significance of what they shared. The line, "I know what we shared and what it all meant," indicates a bittersweet feeling of nostalgia for what they had. However, they are not trying to win back their partner and understand that they have a limit to how much they can take in the relationship. The closing line, "I won't give in," portrays resilience and independence to move on, even when it seems impossible.

Overall, World Stands Still is a powerful and emotional song that relates to many people who have been in a similar situation. The lyrics tap into feelings of love, loss, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

You can walk away whenever you want,
You have the freedom to leave me, without any obligation.

But don't expect me to be here
Don't assume that I will still be around when you come back.

When you decide that you are coming back.
When you eventually choose to return, don't expect me to welcome you with open arms.

But I'd rather stop talking to anyone but you.
Despite my disappointment, I only want to communicate with you, not with anyone else.

Until then my world is standing still.
Until we reconnect, my life will feel incomplete and stagnant.

You think I am at a loss but I am not afraid to be alone anymore.
You might believe that I am lost without you, but I am no longer scared of solitude.

The time moves on like pieces of my past,
Time continues to pass, taking away memories of our past relationship with it.

Never to look back again.
I have no intention of revisiting the past or dwelling on it.

I know what we shared and what it all meant,
I am aware of the significance of our past relationship and what it has brought to my life.

But I am never looking back.
Despite my knowledge of our shared history, I am moving forward and not dwelling on the past.

Although I keep trying to come up with the words to say to you,
Despite my desire to communicate with you, I struggle to find the right words to express myself.

I'm not trying to win you back.
My intention is not to convince you to come back to me or win you over again.

There's only so much one person can take,
There are limits to what a person can endure emotionally and psychologically.

But if you think I can't take this, you are so wrong.
However, don't underestimate my strength and resilience in coping with the aftermath of our relationship.

But I am not afraid.
Despite any difficulties, I am not afraid to face them head-on.

I won't give in.
I will not compromise or submit to the pressure of the situation.

Contributed by Eli L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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